City cab driver robbed but not hurt

A Thunder Bay cabbie has his vehicle back after it was stolen in a armed robbery yesterday. The driver picked up a fair at Westfort Foods around 4 pm. The suspect eventually pulled a knife on the driver, demanded money and then stole the cab. It was found behind the Royal Edward Arms on May Street a short time later. The cabbie was not hurt. Police have not made an arrest.

Overnight rainfall forces an end to fire ban

The city wide fire ban is about to be lifted. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says it will take effect as of 5 o'clock today.  He says the 11 millimetres of rain that was received overnight was enough to lift the restrictions.  Hankkio says they'll continue to monitor the weather conditions daily in case the ban needs to be put back in place.

Local celebs help with McHappy Day

It's McHappy Day at all McDonald's Restaurants in the city. It means that one dollar from every Egg McMuffin, Big Mac and Happy Meal sold today goes towards Ronald McDonald House in Toronto. That's the facility that houses families from Ontario who need to travel to Toronto so their children can receive cancer treatment. All day local celebrities, politicians and other well recognized citizens will be serving McDonald's customers: Pictured: Our very own Ian Grant pours coffee at the Cumberland Street location.

Kam River tragedy averted by alert mom

A family visiting from southern Ontario is relieved after a near drowning in the Kam River. Fire Service Platoon Chief Joe Grzelewksi says the incident took place around 5 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Kam River Park at the end of Donald Street. One of their children accidently fell into the river and was in there for a few minutes before the mother jumped in and rescued him. The young boy, who is about 4 years old, didn't require treatment.

Skateboarders get props from Navy boss

The citys' top Navy official is praising the young people who use the BMX-skateboard facility at Marina Park. Lieutenant-Commander John Bell says there were fears the kids might desecrate the nearby naval memorial, but that hasn't happened. Bell was impressed with the respect the young people showed over the weekend at the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony

New call centre to set up in Vic-Ville

A Prince Edward Island company is the citys' newest employer. OLS will be setting up its' inbound call centre at Victoriaville Mall. Its' President Ross Beattie says our city was chosen out of 10 others to host his centre because of our workforce, and says unlike other call centres that have come and gone, his company is here for the long haul.   Beattie says the centre will employ 200 people with the aim of doubling that within the year.

Critic calls energy credit insulting

The McGuinty governments' Northern Energy Credit is being called an insult. Randy Hillier, the Progressive Conservatives' Northern Development critic, says the program is laughable. He says thats because 200 dollars is the most any family will get. Hillier says in some parts of the north this credit won't even cover one month of the HST

New Miss Thunder Bay ready to compete

A Thunder Bay woman is going to represent the city at next years' Miss World Canada Pageant. 21 year old Tegin Popowich was selected as Miss Thunder Bay in Sudbury recently and can't wait for the chance to compete nationally in Vancouver in July of 2011. Popowich says she was shocked to be one of 7 contestants selected. As part of the process she'll be fundraising for a charity organization called Children's Variety.

Iggy wants internet for all

A Liberal government would bring high speed internet to all of Northern Ontario and the rest of Rural Canada within three years. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made the announcement in Thunder Bay today. Ignatieff says high speed internet is vital in increasing national unity, by connecting everyone in Canada together online. Ignatieff spoke to students at St Patrick's High school this afternoon and will also be hosting a meet and greet at Tony and Adam's Restaurant this evening.

Sidewalk contract in limbo

A one million dollar city sidewalk contract is on hold right now. It's because a handful of northside residents don't want a portion of that contract to include a stretch in the High Street and Parsons area. Councillor Brian McKinnon agrees with them.   He believes that if the majority of residents don't want it, why build it?  Councillors will revisit the issue next week.

Easement a major headache for Northwood homeowner

A Ryerson Crescent homeowner appears to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Don Cooper says he unknowingly had his new garage built over an easement. He has been ordered to tear the garage down.    While Coopers' plight may have the sympathy of some on City Council and administration it appears to be out of their hands.   Other companies like Shaw Cable and TBayTel say they want to keep their rights to the easement property.  Adminstration will come back to councillors with possible options next week.

Navy wants name change for Marina Park Drive

The city is considering a proposal to change the name of Marina Park Drive. A request has been made by the Commanding Officer of the HMCS Griffon, Lieutenant-Commander John Bell. He suggested the street should be called Naval Heritage Drive to honour the men and women who served in the Canadian Navy. Bell says the switch could be made as part of the changes being brought about by the new waterfront development. Administration will study the proposal and report back to council in July.

MNR says it was right to lift fire ban

The Ministry of Natural Resources is defending it's decision to lift a fire ban in Northwestern Ontario. Spokesperson Mitch Miller understands some in the Thunder Bay District think it was a premature move, but says the rest of the northwest got a good soaking.  Meantime the Thunder Bay Fire Service says its fire ban remains in effect inside the city limits

Cops bust hookers as young as 15

Women and girls as young as 15 years of age are facing prostitution charges in connection with a recent undercover sting operation run by the city police. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's not unusual to see 15 year olds turning tricks in Thunder Bay. He says the high risk lifestyle attracts people with addictions or other issues. A total of 10 arrests were made in last weeks operations in the Court, McKenzie and Simpson Street areas.

Not all northerners to get energy cheques

The provinces Finance Minister says not everyone can be eligible for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. Speaking in Thunder Bay Dwight Duncan says it's only low and middle income people who will get government cheques to offset higher hydro costs. Duncan says it's because people with lower incomes have more difficulty conserving energy. He says they don't have as many choices as people with higher incomes do. The cheques are expected to start being mailed out in the fall.

April port stats up

Some encouraging news from the Port of Thunder Bay early in the shipping season. Statistics for April show that there was more cargo shipped from the port this year than last year at the same time. The increase was a modest 2 and a half per cent. There were also 9 more ships that came to the city in April of this year

Woodcrest students sing sing.

The 500 students at Woodcrest Public School are proud of their latest accomplishment. They joined with other schools in Canada in singing the same song at exactly the same time. Grade 6 teacher Jacqui Soulias  organized the event and says it was to celebrate music and school spirit.  Students at Holy Family Catholic School also took part in the nationwide sing-a-long.

Local Soldiers return home

Two Thunder Bay Soldiers landed on home soil after a 6 month tour in Afghanistan. Corporal Richard Cranton and Sergeant John Conrad returned home this morning to a small group of friends and family at the Thunder Bay airport. Cranton says he never thought he'd be this happy to return home and says his tour was a really rewarding experience and is proud to have helped out the Afghan people. This was the first tour for both soldiers.

Spelling help wanted

It's a mistake worthy of the Jay Leno Show.   This Red River Road take out food outlet may be in need of more than management after showing this job posting on the weekend

Tree falls on south side house

There is no one injured after a tree fell on a three story house on Syndicate Avenue following a windy weekend.

Fatal fire in Terrace Bay

Nipigon OPP are investigating after a fatal house fire in Terrace Bay. The fire happened early yesterday morning just before 5 o'clock. Crews responded and found a body in the house. Dead is 31 year old Kevin Daniels. The cause of the fire hasn't been released.

Folklore Festival another success

Thunder Bay's Culture was on display once again at the Fort William Gardens. That was the scene for the annual Folklore Festival. There was food, dance and many other attractions Saturday and Sunday. Thousands made it through the doors for this years event to take in the entertainment and fine cuisine.

Low level of Dog Lake no concern for OPG

A trip to Dog Lake will help prove how dry the weather has been. Ontario Power Generation monitors the lake level there. Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says it's about half a metre lower than average and just less than a metre lower then it was last year. He says however, there's no concern it will cause any power problems for OPG generators on the Dog River.

Free waste week coming up

If there was any time to get rid of that junk in your house and yard its from May 2-9. The city is allowing you to use the Mapleward Road waste facility for free for those 7 days . Spokesperson Jason Sherband says it's become very popular. He says the facility averages about 900 vehicles a day. Sherband recommends going early in the morning to avoid the long lines. Meantime police will be monitoring vehicles going to the landfill to make sure all loads are properly covered

Outdoor fires now permitted in the northwest

The outdoor fire ban in Northwestern Ontario is over. Reagan Breeze of the Ministry of Natural Resources says that the Restricted Fire Zone has been lifted. He says the rain that we've received has helped to reduce the fire hazard in the entire district.  It means that camp fires for cooking and warmth are now allowed.

Huge changes proposed to forest licencing

The McGuinty government is proposing sweeping changes to the way wood cutting licences are awarded. Effectively the big forestry giants would have their current licences scrapped and they'd have to start over. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle admits the moves are bold putting all firms, large and small, on an equal footing. The biggest difference would be the creation of Local Forest Management Corporations that would control the system in each region. Public hearings on the proposed changes start in Thunder Bay May the 18th.

Father and son arrested after donut shop brawl

One man has been sent to Winnipeg for treatment after a fight with a father son duo. Police say the 21 year old victim received a serious wound to his arm during a fight at a south side donut shop last night. A 41 year man and his 18 year old son are facing several charges and police say alcohol may have been involved.

Businesses take part in Spring Up to Clean Up

Businesses across Thunder Bay were out picking up garbage and litter around their buildings. It's all part of the 14th annual Spring Up to Clean Up program. Councillor Andrew Foulds says picking up litter goes a long way in making the city more attractive to visitors. Eco Superior's Karen Copeland says everyone is encouraged to help clean up the community throughout the month of May.

Pot bust lands one man in jail

A special package has landed a Thunder Bay man in jail. The 23 year old was arrested after police intercepted a package containing 3 pounds of marijuana and a pound of hash. The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit made the arrest after the package was delivered.

Cyclotron building may be in jeopardy

Officials with the Regional Research Institute hope they don't have to scale back their plans for a new building on the hospital grounds. The proposed 25 million dollar facility would house a new cyclotron that would produce medical isotopes. Institute chair, Keith Jobbitt says federal funding for the project may not come through.  He says they may instead have to use an existing building like the Health Sciences Centre or the Munro Street facility.  Jobbitt says they will continue to pursue the funding from the feds.

Slain constable to receive another honour

The Current River Bridge on Highway 11-17 is going to be named after a police officer who died in the line of duty. Saturday officials will dedicate the bridge to the memory of City Police Constable John Kusznier. He died in a shooting in the parking lot of a north side hotel 30 years ago. The ceremony will take place at the Terry Fox Lookout at 11 am.

New study says school food program works

The Lakehead Public School Board is touting the success of a program aimed at helping Aboriginal students. The Neighbourhood Capacity Building Project helps make sure the students are fed and are exposed to native culture. Organizer Tammy Bobyk says a new study shows it's working and has an influence on student success which can be directly linked to academic success.

Fatal accident leads to charge

A Thunder Bay man is now facing a charge in connection to Wednesday's fatal traffic accident on Red River Road. Spokesperson Chris Adams says that's were a pick up and a motorbike collided resulting in the death of the motorcycle driver, 37 year old Darren Dolph.  Police have charged the 49 year old pick up truck driver with careless driving. Adams says no further charges are expected.

Cheques on the way for some northern residents

Some residents of Northern Ontario will soon qualify for a cheque to take the sting out of higher energy costs. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the money will start coming after the law is passed.  The cheques will range from 130 dollars for individuals to 200 dollars for families. The credit is designed for low and middle income people and families.

Walk to help Easter Seals

On the charity beat, the Dawson Road Safeway store is hosting an Easter Seals fundraising walk Saturday morning. Rhonda Harrison of Easter Seals says there is no financial goal set because it's only the first year of the event. The walk starts at 11:30 until 12:30.  The cost to enter is 10 dollars

Fourth mayoralty candidate emerges

A city truck driver wants to be the next mayor of Thunder Bay. 53 year old Brian Kwasny is a life long resident of the city and understands he has a low profile, but he believes that can be an advantage because it will keep him open minded. Kwasny says the current city council has been doing things backwards. He becomes the 4th candidate in this mayors race. The other three are Lynn Peterson, Keith Hobbs and Jeff Irwin.

Rydholm seeking another council term

Linda Rydholm doesn't believe her work on city council is finished. The Neebing Ward councillor says she will be seeking another term in the October municipal election. She sites the Big Thunder Wind Farm as one of the issues she wants to tackle, saying the complexities of the project have to be resolved.  She is the second registered candidate in that ward, the other is former councillor Gary Shchepanik.

Lack of waterfall causes tourism concern

There's concern tourism will suffer in Kakabeka if the main attraction isn't there. The famous falls have been reduced to a trickle because of the lack of precipitation over the winter. The Past President of the Kakabeka Business Association, Marlis Dudzinski, says there will be a big impact. She says businesses may have to advertise more and feature other outdoor attractions like ATV and motorcycle trails.

Greenstone turns to online voting

In the same week Thunder Bay said no to online voting another local municipality is setting a precedent. Greenstone council voted to implement telephone and internet voting for the upcoming municipal elections. Mayor Michael Power says it will cost 40 thousand dollars which is cheaper than the old mail in ballot system.

National Day of Mourning draws more each year

The annual National Day of Mourning for workplace deaths continues to gain popularity in Thunder Bay. About 250 people showed up for Wednesdays ceremony outside the Labour Centre. Labour Council President Melanie Kelso says more and more people are realizing the importance of the day knowing that it could be them that could someday be killed or injured on the job.  Kelso says the day will continue to go recognized until workplace injuries and deaths stop.

New forest fire in the Thunder Bay District

Relief is still days away for the parched forests of Northwestern Ontario. Debbie MacLean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says that one new fire was reported in the Thunder Bay district 15 kilometres north of the city in the Surprise Lake area.  She says it's a 3 hectare blaze with nothing valuable threatened but they consider it a fire of concern and crews continue to attack it.  MacLean says the fire hazard remains high to extreme

Motorcycle collision leaves one man dead

One man is dead after a fatal collision in the North downtown. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it took place on Red River Road at the entrance to the Heart of the Harbour Parkade just before 7:30 between a Motorcycle and a pickup truck. The 37 year old driver of the motorbike died at the Health Sciences Centre. He is identified as Darren Dolph of Thunder Bay. Police closed a stretch of Red River Road for several hours, to gather evidence.

Multi-Plex meeting dates set

The dates have now been set for the two public meetings on the proposed multi-plex arena. City Manager Tim Commisso says that's where study results will be presented and the public will be allowed to comment. He says the meeting will be divided into three segments. The first will be the displays, the second a presentation from the city on the Phase One study and the third part will be an open forum for public comment. The meetings will take place May 6th at the Da Vinci Centre and May 13th at the Italian Hall on Algoma Street.

Get ready to Run N' Roll

The M-S Society of Thunder is back with its' annual Run N' Roll Half Marathon. Organizer Hal Lightwood says it will be taking place July 18th. Once again it will be held on Lakeshore Drive in the municipality of Shuniah and it's open to runners and inline skaters. Lightwood says they hope to attract 200 particpants with a goal of raising 14 thousand dollars.

Ride for Dad set for next month

The annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad happens on June 19th. The proceeds from the event go towards the fight against prostate cancer. Organizer Tere McDonald feels the event has done quite a bit to raise awareness.   In the past 5 years men have become more open about discussing the disease. It's hoped that about 300 riders will take part. Pictured: Glenn Craig, Kerri Spooner and Tere McDonald.

Fundraising begins for Ronald McDonald House

McDonald's Restaurants in Thunder Bay and Northern Ontario are raising money for a new Ronald McDonald House in Toronto. Thunder Bay's Kathy Bukovy says that facility is important for northerners because families from here stay there when their children get cancer treatment.  She says one-third of those people who stay at Ronald McDonald House are from Northern Ontario. Bukovy says they hope to raise 1 million dollars for the cause through customer contributions and fundraisers.

ATV bylaw passes in Oliver-Paipoonge

Owners of All Terrain Vehicles in Oliver-Paipoonge can now legally do what they've been doing all along. Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they can ride their vehicles on the community roads after council voted in favour of a new bylaw on the practice. Kloosterhuis says the law also sets out rules that ATV owners must follow in the rural township.

Tuchenhagen ponders his political future

McKellar Ward residents may not see Robert Tuchenhagens' name on the election ballot in October. The city councillor is seriously considering not running for another term. He says he's not happy with the current council.   He thinks it's time for the community to have an opportunity to vote for new people who won't be preoccupied with their re-election bids and be able to get some substantive work done.  Tuchenhagen plans to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.

AP program growing in the city

More and more students in Thunder Bay are being convinced to join the Advanced Placement program. The Ontario Director Lynda Robinson is visiting the city and says the program is growing slowly here. However she can't compare our particpation rate with the rest of the province.  She says some schools have only one AP program while others have seven, adding it's like comparing apples and oranges. Under the AP program,  high school exam results are recognized by all universities in Ontario.

Cats sign four

The Thunder Bay Borders Cats are still not finished signing players for the 2010 Northwoods League season. Joining the club are second baseman Evan Mistich and outfielder Jay Laurienzo. As well pitchers Matt White and Freddy Lewis are also signed on. The first pitch at Port Arthur Stadium will be June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Raynard court case resolved

Jake Raynards' life isn't on hold anymore. The 30 year old gay man was severely beaten in Thunder Bay last October in what his family said was a hate crime. However in the course of the police investigation Raynard himself faced 3 assault and weapons related charges. Raynard says in court this week the issues were resolved.    He says the 2 weapons charges were withdrawn and he plead guilty to assault and was given an absolute discharge.   Raynard received community support after the attack which included a rally at Waverly Park.

OPP issue hitchhiker advisory

The OPP are warning drivers not to pick up hitchhikers in the Jellicoe area. They say there was a single car accident on Highway 11 this morning and the occupants of the vehicle walked away from it. They believe it's possible they may be trying to catch a ride with anyone they can flag down.

Fire Rangers battle brush fire on Mount McKay

Mount McKay was the site of another spring forest fire. Fire Ranger crews had trouble getting to the blaze and a helicopter with a Bambi bucket was called in until crews were able to get to it. One hectare was burned before the fire was put out.

Firefighter hurt in garage fire

A Thunder Bay Firefighter ended up in hospital after battling a garage fire yesterday. Crews responded to the blaze on Toms road just before 7 o'clock and found the garage engulfed in flames. 5 pumper trucks responded and the fire was quickly brought under control. The owner was checked for smoke inhalation and the garage was a complete loss.

Woman robbed at knife point

Thunder Bay police are on the lookout for two men wanted in connection with an armed robbery. Police say a woman was robbed at knife point last night just before midnight in the park by Lambton Place. The men made off with her purse and luckily she wasn't hurt.

Here's how councillors voted on e-voting

City councillors voted 8-5 against allowing the internet and phone voting in the next election...here's how the final count went Monday night.
Against-Mark Bentz, Joe Virdiramo, Trevor Giertuga, Linda Rydholm, Larry Hebert, Brian McKinnon, Frank Pullia and Lynn Peterson.
For-Iain Angus, Andrew Foulds, Robert Tuchenhagen, Aldo Ruberto and Rebecca Johnson,